WNYT.com

Celebration and outrage over NYS gun law

Celebration and outrage, after quick passages of the New York SAFE Act. New Yorkers remain bitterly divided on the issue of gun control.

The law was passed six days after the Governor unveiled his proposal in his State of the State Address. His smile was the seal of approval after a week at the Capitol that will go down in the books. A proud moment for a governor who saw 'priority number one' during his third year in office get swiftly pushed through the legislature.

A bill born out of tragedy - New York becomes the first state to pass sweeping gun legislation following the Sandy Hook Elementary school massacre.

“I am proud to be a New Yorker. I am proud to be part of this government. Not just because New York has the first bill, but New York has the best bill,” said Governor Cuomo.

The ban on assault weapons will limit the number of bullets in a magazine to 7. It will require background checks during private gun sales, set up a statewide handgun data base, and attempt to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill.

The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Senate late Monday night - and on the assembly Tuesday afternoon, but those opposed didn't mince words on the assembly floor.

“Governor Cuomo doesn't care about the peoples agenda. Only his own. To be president, beat Obama to the punch, and be the first on the 6 o'clock news tonight,” said Republican Assemblyman David DiPietro of Warsaw.

Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin agrees with Cuomo critics who say he may be posturing for a bigger political future. The Republican from Melrose is fed up by the way he says the bill was slammed through the legislature.

”Every single New Yorker should be outraged at the way this took place,” Assemblyman McLaughlin said.